Viewing 2011 Films

11 Weeks
INDIA, USA | Directed by Dipesh Jain | Running time: 30 minutes
Set amidst violent clashes between Hindus and Muslims in the troubled region of Kashmir, India, 11 Weeks is a story of an aged Kashmiri Hindu scientist, living in an old age home who has developed a hatred towards Muslims following the terrorist bombing of his family. Now, he is forced to tolerate a young Muslim boy who must visit... Set amidst violent clashes between Hindus and Muslims in the troubled region of Kashmir, India, 11 Weeks is a story of an aged Kashmiri Hindu scientist, living in an old age home who has developed a hatred towards Muslims following the terrorist bombing of his family. Now, he is forced to tolerate a young Muslim boy who must visit him to serve his community service sentence. Rising clashes in the region between the two religious communities transform their relationship over the period of 11 weeks.

This film is part of Independent Shorts Program 5

12 Years  (12 Jahre)
GERMANY | Directed by Daniel Nocke | Running time: 4 minutes
For twelve years she ignored sneers and mockery and stood up for her relationship. But that was probably a mistake. For twelve years she ignored sneers and mockery and stood up for her relationship. But that was probably a mistake.

This film is part of Midnight Shorts Program 1

2030 - Revolt of the Young  (2030 - Aufstand der Jungen)
GERMANY | Directed by Jörg Lühdorff | Running time: 89 minutes
2030 - REVOLT OF THE YOUNG taps into the younger generation’s fear for its future. It’s a world where the gulf between the employed and unemployed, the insured and uninsured, could force have-nots into unimaginably bleak circumstances. Thirty-year-old Tim Burdenski is shot on a public square and dies in a Berlin hospital. Journalist... 2030 - REVOLT OF THE YOUNG taps into the younger generation’s fear for its future. It’s a world where the gulf between the employed and unemployed, the insured and uninsured, could force have-nots into unimaginably bleak circumstances. Thirty-year-old Tim Burdenski is shot on a public square and dies in a Berlin hospital. Journalist Lena Bach’s interest is piqued: Tim has been in the news before. He’s one of the "Millennium Children" born in 2000 whose lives have been publicly documented on a reality TV show. But since the birth of these children, at a time when so many were full of hope for the future, health care costs have skyrocketed while salaries have decreased. People are making do with permanent part-time jobs that lack benefits or security. More and more young people live below the poverty level. Now, in 2030, Lena tracks down Tim’s old friend Sophie, who has received a message leading her to believe he’s still alive. As the two women dig deeper, they unearth a labyrinth of deceit. It leads them to an underground parallel society where victims of the two-tier health system care for their own. A stylish docu-thriller. (In German with subtitles) –B.B.

3  (Drei)
GERMANY | Directed by Tom Tykwer | Running time: 120 minutes
The latest film by the director of “Run Lola Run” is a stylish look at contemporary relationships among Berlin’s intelligentsia. Dr. Hanna Blum is the outspoken host of an intellectual talk show; her partner Simon is an engineer who creates large-scale art installations. In their 40s, they have a stable, though infertile, relationship.... The latest film by the director of “Run Lola Run” is a stylish look at contemporary relationships among Berlin’s intelligentsia. Dr. Hanna Blum is the outspoken host of an intellectual talk show; her partner Simon is an engineer who creates large-scale art installations. In their 40s, they have a stable, though infertile, relationship. At a meeting of an ethics council, Hanna has a vocal run-in over the problem of categorizing “life” with the geneticist giving the presentation, Dr. Adam Born. When they meet again at an avant-garde performance of Shakespeare’s sonnets, a spark is kindled and soon Hanna and Adam are engaged in an intense sexual relationship. Meanwhile, Simon learns he has an operable tumor that must be removed immediately. He coincidentally meets Adam while recuperating and they too begin a passionate affair. With inspired split-screen scenes and plot twists hinging on missed cell phone calls, 3 captures the distractibility of modern lives. As they move through their sophisticated urban dream world of exhibits, performances, and galleries, Hanna and Simon gradually see it’s possible to live outside of preconceived categories. Say goodbye to your deterministic understanding of biology. (In German with subtitles) –B.B.

3 Hours
UNITED KINGDOM | Directed by Regan Hall | Running time: 14 minutes
When militants indiscriminately murder his young brother, Akram is out for revenge. Brotherhood, tragedy, revenge. The true story of one day in Baghdad. When militants indiscriminately murder his young brother, Akram is out for revenge. Brotherhood, tragedy, revenge. The true story of one day in Baghdad.

This film is part of Independent Shorts Program 9

3 x 3
PORTUGAL | Directed by Nuno Rocha | Running time: 6 minutes
A night watchman spends time in a basketball court throwing a ball into the basket. He has become an expert. He shows his abilities to a simple janitor, who also like him, is there all night. A night watchman spends time in a basketball court throwing a ball into the basket. He has become an expert. He shows his abilities to a simple janitor, who also like him, is there all night.

This film is part of Independent Shorts Program 3

72 Days  (Sedamdeset i dva dana)
CROATIA, SERBIA, MONTENEGRO | Directed by Danilo Šerbedžija | Running time: 93 minutes
Dysfunctional doesn’t begin to describe the family Paripovic. Mane and Joja are brothers living in a Croatian backwater where men have rock-throwing contests for fun. Mane’s a primitive guy who fights with his neighbor and bullies his family. His addled son Todor is an amateur taxidermist. Joja is a pretty good artist when he’s occasionally... Dysfunctional doesn’t begin to describe the family Paripovic. Mane and Joja are brothers living in a Croatian backwater where men have rock-throwing contests for fun. Mane’s a primitive guy who fights with his neighbor and bullies his family. His addled son Todor is an amateur taxidermist. Joja is a pretty good artist when he’s occasionally sober. Joja’s son is Branko, a Croatian John Cusack who’s comparatively sane. He’s bored and depressed, but he can’t seem to get out of town, even when tough guy creditors start breathing down his neck. Branko vents his frustration by playing in a pathetic punk band and promising his girlfriend they’ll move to Belgrade. The Paripovic family members all live off the small pension their ailing Granny receives from America. When Granny croaks, Mane determines not to let this stop him from getting her payments. He orders Todor and Branko to steal another Granny from the old folks’ home. This second Granny is in many ways more satisfying than the first. But with Branko’s creditors homing in, Mane’s going to defend his cash by any means possible. (In Croatian with subtitles) –B.B.

( 818 )
USA | Directed by Robert Lee King | Running time: 86 minutes
Once the star of hit prime-time television series, “HMO Nurse,” Alyssa Rampart-Pillage is now the has-been wife of Bernie, the “Kool King” of air conditioning in Southern California. Although the only role Alyssa can nab these days is the “Kool Queen” of air conditioning, she’s determined to prove she’s no ordinary has-been, as she... Once the star of hit prime-time television series, “HMO Nurse,” Alyssa Rampart-Pillage is now the has-been wife of Bernie, the “Kool King” of air conditioning in Southern California. Although the only role Alyssa can nab these days is the “Kool Queen” of air conditioning, she’s determined to prove she’s no ordinary has-been, as she tells her agent, “You have no idea what I’m capable of.” Truly, we don’t. When Alyssa’s tree-hugging daughter Topanga dies an accidental death, Bernie starts seeing her ghost and undergoes a spiritual change, altering everything in his life – including his will. Alyssa proves to be not so sacrificial and will do what she must in order to hang on to the life she has, not to mention the Jag she drives. After successfully conspiring a plan to get rid of Bernie, Alyssa continues down a path of deceit, betrayal, and kitchen knives, dragging the rest of her family with her. (818) is a guilty pleasure of a film that gleefully mocks the world of Hollywood and fame. With Beth Broderick leading a great cast, this L.A. comedy is full of kitschy dialogue and teaches us that justice has nothing on celebrity. – M.M.

A Man Made Early
USA | Directed by Cruz Angeles | Running time: 15 minutes
High school senior Tony Rodriguez struggles with the decision of attending a college close to home or accepting a scholarship from a university in another state. Tony will have to confront peer pressure, cultural limitations, and family expectations to make his own decision. Written by Angelica Hernandez (17), a senior at Weslaco... High school senior Tony Rodriguez struggles with the decision of attending a college close to home or accepting a scholarship from a university in another state. Tony will have to confront peer pressure, cultural limitations, and family expectations to make his own decision. Written by Angelica Hernandez (17), a senior at Weslaco East High School in Weslaco, TX.

This film is part of Scenarios USA

Aardvark
USA, ARGENTINA | Directed by Kitao Sakurai | Running time: 80 minutes
A brilliant film that transcends genre and blurs the line between documentary and fiction, AARDVARK begins as the real-life story of the friendship between a blind recovering alcoholic and his martial arts teacher. In a role inspired by his own true life, Larry plays himself – a man blind since birth who begins a journey of self-discovery... A brilliant film that transcends genre and blurs the line between documentary and fiction, AARDVARK begins as the real-life story of the friendship between a blind recovering alcoholic and his martial arts teacher. In a role inspired by his own true life, Larry plays himself – a man blind since birth who begins a journey of self-discovery when he meets Darren, the kind and magnetic teacher of his Jiu-Jitsu class. Through Larry’s dedication to the sport and his growing relationship with Darren, Larry is able to rebuild his life into one of stability and discipline. But as the film progresses, it transforms into a shocking narrative when Darren’s hard-partying ways are revealed and a horrible incident occurs. Consequently, Larry goes on a search for answers, fueled by vengeance and his loyalty to his close friend. As director Kitao Sakurai explains, the film’s twist is a reflection on the “push and pull of cinema’s engagement with physical reality.” In a sense, Sakurai is questioning our perspective of reality in general and does so beautifully by flowing two parts—one real, one not—into a single seamless story. Based and shot in Cleveland, AARDVARK is a simple, yet dramatic thriller starring two men who essentially reenact their lives together in order to tell a larger story about relationships and how they can reveal a man’s true nature. – M.M.

Addicted In Afghanistan
AFGHANISTAN, UNITED KINGDOM | Directed by Jawed Taiman | Running time: 75 minutes
Over the past decade Afghanistan has become known as the heroin capital of the world, with heroin currently the country’s number one export. The true victims of this epidemic are the children of Afghanistan, hooked at an early age with little to no hope for their futures. ADDICTED IN AFGHANISTAN is the story of teenage boys Zahir... Over the past decade Afghanistan has become known as the heroin capital of the world, with heroin currently the country’s number one export. The true victims of this epidemic are the children of Afghanistan, hooked at an early age with little to no hope for their futures. ADDICTED IN AFGHANISTAN is the story of teenage boys Zahir and Jabar, two best friends who are severely addicted to the “white powder.” Jabar has been abusing heroin for eight years and steals cash from his family to fuel his addiction. Zahir smokes three sachets a day, destroying his already emaciated body. Both boys come from devastatingly impoverished families, most of whom suffer from addiction themselves. Director Jawed Taiman provides an inside look at Afghanistan’s government and private drug treatment centers, showcasing the detox both boys must face in order to be freed from this “bad habit” that will certainly destroy any chance they may have at a normal life. This documentary examines the intense shame and desperation of the dangerous amount of drug-addicted Afghanis. The fact is, these addicts are mere children, lost and afraid. (In Arabic with subtitles) – M.M.

An African Election
USA, GHANA, SWITZERLAND | Directed by Jarreth Merz | Running time: 89 minutes
The 2008 presidential elections in Ghana, West Africa serve as a backdrop for this documentary, which goes behind the scenes of the complex political machinery of an emerging democracy. Nana Akufo-Addo is running for the New Patriotic Party, with its slightly conservative platform, while John Atta Mills of the National Democratic... The 2008 presidential elections in Ghana, West Africa serve as a backdrop for this documentary, which goes behind the scenes of the complex political machinery of an emerging democracy. Nana Akufo-Addo is running for the New Patriotic Party, with its slightly conservative platform, while John Atta Mills of the National Democratic Congress skews a bit more progressive. The first sub-Saharan African nation to achieve independence from Britain in 1957, Ghana is a middle income economy well-endowed with natural resources, and now a stable democracy. Modern Ghana’s adherence to principles of freedom and justice make it a proud exception to the sad cliché of African nations still beset by political violence and electoral fraud. AN AFRICAN ELECTION follows the key players for almost three months, taking us on unpredictable twists and turns down the back roads of the nation. When neither candidate receives a majority, the Electoral Commission announces a runoff to be held three weeks later. Tempers, which have been held admirably in check until now, are beginning to flare. Hopefully, Ghana’s citizens will remain more level-headed than their larger-than-life politicians. – B.B.

Almost Kings
USA | Directed by Philip G. Flores | Running time: 91 minutes
A grimly authentic tale about wasted teenage lives, ALMOST KINGS features frank performances by its cast of young actors. All across small-town America, teenagers are fueled by boredom, alcohol, and hormones. This is the story of just one kid – a smart high school freshman named Ted who lives with his abusive, paralyzed father and... A grimly authentic tale about wasted teenage lives, ALMOST KINGS features frank performances by its cast of young actors. All across small-town America, teenagers are fueled by boredom, alcohol, and hormones. This is the story of just one kid – a smart high school freshman named Ted who lives with his abusive, paralyzed father and his older brother Truck. Truck is a star of the football team and leader of the “Kings” -- high school royalty and hellions in reality. Ted starts hanging out with the Kings and soon hears they have a contest going to see who can have sex with the most freshman girls. Hoping to impress them, Ted reluctantly signs on and invites his female classmates to drinking parties. While Ted’s real friends want him to concentrate on their quiz bowl team, he digs himself in deeper with the gang, lying to them that he’s deflowered a girl. When he discovers Truck is cheating on his pregnant fiancée, Ted tells her about the contest. Furious, Truck sets a trap for his little brother. When Ted realizes the goal he’s set for himself is rotten, he starts to become a man by his own actions. –B.B.

Amazonia
USA | Directed by Sam Chen | Running time: 5 minutes
In the dangerous world of the Amazon Rainforest, finding a meal proves to be an impossible task for a little treefrog named Bounce. His luck changes when he meets Biggy, a blue-bellied treefrog who takes him under his guidance and shows him the ways of the jungle in this animated journey set to Beethoven's Symphony No.8. In the dangerous world of the Amazon Rainforest, finding a meal proves to be an impossible task for a little treefrog named Bounce. His luck changes when he meets Biggy, a blue-bellied treefrog who takes him under his guidance and shows him the ways of the jungle in this animated journey set to Beethoven's Symphony No.8.

This film is part of Animated Shorts Program and Family Shorts Program 1 and Independent Shorts Program 5

Animal Drill
USA | Directed by Patrick Murphy | Running time: 24 minutes
A son must prove his manhood to his father by trying out for a high school basketball team. A son must prove his manhood to his father by trying out for a high school basketball team.

This film is part of 10% Shorts Program 1

Anita  (Anita: La vida puede cambiar en un instante)
ARGENTINA | Directed by Marcos Carnevale | Running time: 104 minutes
Buenos Aires, 1994. The Argentine Israelite Mutual Association is bombed and 85 people are killed. Pandemonium ensues as the lives of the local Jewish population are turned upside down. This is doubly true for Anita, a sweet-tempered woman with Down Syndrome, who’s caught up in forces she can’t understand. Until now, Anita’s darling... Buenos Aires, 1994. The Argentine Israelite Mutual Association is bombed and 85 people are killed. Pandemonium ensues as the lives of the local Jewish population are turned upside down. This is doubly true for Anita, a sweet-tempered woman with Down Syndrome, who’s caught up in forces she can’t understand. Until now, Anita’s darling Mami has been her entire world. Mami owns a shop near the Mutual Association. One day she leaves Anita there alone while she does a quick errand. There’s a big bang and Mami doesn’t come back. Not knowing what to do, or even Mami’s name or address, Anita drifts through the chaotic streets. She meets several people, including an alcoholic and a family of Asian immigrants who take her in briefly. But it’s easier for them to close their eyes than to contact the authorities, and they send Anita out to wander on, to the next place of refuge. ANITA is a heartbreaking film filled with love and sorrow. (In Spanish with subtitles) – B.B.

The Arbor
UNITED KINGDOM | Directed by Clio Barnard | Running time: 90 minutes
There are few existences more drab than those lived out in the Buttershaw Estate in Bradford, England. “Estate” is a British misnomer for the post-war council housing blocks that are hotbeds of family violence and drug addiction. Inconceivably, a playwriting genius emerged from this bleak world in 1982 when Andrea Dunbar’s “Rita,... There are few existences more drab than those lived out in the Buttershaw Estate in Bradford, England. “Estate” is a British misnomer for the post-war council housing blocks that are hotbeds of family violence and drug addiction. Inconceivably, a playwriting genius emerged from this bleak world in 1982 when Andrea Dunbar’s “Rita, Sue and Bob Too” took London's theater world by storm. Andrea was 18 and a single mother at the time, and her work spoke of rampant drug use, crime, and casual sex among England’s lower classes. THE ARBOR is an unusual meditation on Andrea’s life and that of her unhappy daughter Lorraine, who grew up similarly unable to shake her addictions to drugs and violent men. The film makes fascinating use of the conventions of verbatim theater, as actors lip-synch to audio recordings of statements by Andrea’s real family. These segments, with their alienating theatrical effect, are intertwined with documentary footage of Andrea’s life and reconstructions of her plays. As actors perform outdoors on Buttershaw’s green space, the estate’s current residents watch the show. Andrea Dunbar’s dark visions couldn’t hit any closer to home. (In Bradford-accented English with subtitles) – B.B.

Armadillo
DENMARK | Directed by Janus Metz Pedersen | Running time: 100 minutes
ARMADILLO is a sort of Scandinavian “Restrepo,” a clear-eyed documentary that accompanies a band of new Danish recruits to the war in Afghanistan. We first meet them at home, days before they deploy on their six-month tour to the Armadillo military base in Helmand province. The boys hold a raucous striptease party, then exchange... ARMADILLO is a sort of Scandinavian “Restrepo,” a clear-eyed documentary that accompanies a band of new Danish recruits to the war in Afghanistan. We first meet them at home, days before they deploy on their six-month tour to the Armadillo military base in Helmand province. The boys hold a raucous striptease party, then exchange farewells with their tearful loved ones at the Copenhagen airport the next morning. But soon they’re in Afghanistan, and the reality of war, with its alternating tedium and terror, sets in. The Danes go out on patrol, hand out candy to kids, and question uncooperative locals about the Taliban presence. To combat boredom during their free time, they call home, play shooter games, and watch porn. Then, one morning at dawn, civilians start fleeing the area. The patrol comes under fire and a soldier is hit. In the ensuing chaos, the Danes encounter Taliban fighters squatting in a ditch, three meters away from them. Someone tosses in a hand grenade and the enemy is “neutralized.” When the shooting stops, the congratulations begin – but so does the soul-searching. ARMADILLO caused a furor in peace-loving Denmark where viewers were outraged over the soldiers’ perceived callousness. (In Danish with subtitles) – B.B.

As the Rain Was Falling  (En Attendant Que La Pluie Cesse)
FRANCE | Directed by | Running time: 9 minutes
Two people explore their desire for one another as they wait out a rain storm. Two people explore their desire for one another as they wait out a rain storm.

This film is part of Independent Shorts Program 11

Autumn Gold  (Herbstgold)
GERMANY | Directed by Jan Tenhaven | Running time: 90 minutes
AUTUMN GOLD is an absolutely charming film that soars triumphantly above all the hackneyed sports movies you’ve ever seen. Five European athletes are training for the 2009 World Masters track and field championships in Finland. They stretch, lift weights, and jog around parks. They explain their dietary plans and reminisce about... AUTUMN GOLD is an absolutely charming film that soars triumphantly above all the hackneyed sports movies you’ve ever seen. Five European athletes are training for the 2009 World Masters track and field championships in Finland. They stretch, lift weights, and jog around parks. They explain their dietary plans and reminisce about former wins and losses. Sound pretty ho-hum so far? It’s not. These athletes are all between 83 and 100 years old, and a more astonishing group you’ve never met. Jiri runs up five stories in a minute and then pauses to dole out some wisdom on life. Gabre, an Italian beauty in full make-up and jewelry, throws her discus with her sunglasses perched on her head scarf. Herbert is 90 and runs the 100m sprint. Shot-putter Ilse dances around her living room like she was 45 and not 85. Alfred, a Viennese discus thrower and a designer for 80 years, sketches a nude model at 100. Though they’ve been athletes all their lives — Gabre and Alfred even competed in the 1936 Olympics — their positive attitudes and refusal to slow down are keys to their vitality. Come on, shake a leg and get inspired. (In Czech, German, Italian, and English with subtitles)—B.B.